The recognition places Xpress among 100 companies across 16 countries and territories celebrated for creativity, resilience, and growth potential. This year, only three Philippine firms made the cut: Xpress Super App, Enstack, and Netbank.
Driving Filipino innovation
Founded in 2023, Xpress began as a ride-hailing startup but has quickly expanded into a full-fledged super app. It has earned recognition for pioneering electric vehicle (EV) adoption and its bold moves into lifestyle and financial technology services.
“This recognition belongs to our employees, drivers, and partners,” said Cliff Cabungcal, president of Xpress. “From Boracay e-trikes to electric taxis in Metro Manila, and soon nationwide digital payments, we’ve built Xpress by solving problems that matter to Filipinos.”
How Xpress is scaling
Today, the app powers:
Mobility: Two-wheel and four-wheel ride-hailing, including the Philippines’ first electric taxi pilots.
Sustainable tourism: E-trike fleets in Boracay, developed with cooperatives and local governments.
Upcoming rollouts include:
Xpress Eats & Mart: On-demand food and grocery delivery.
XPAY: A digital wallet with Cebuana Lhuillier, enabling Visa Direct remittances and compliant cash transactions.
Xpress eXperiences: A lifestyle and tourism marketplace linking locals and travelers.
Xpress currently operates in Metro Manila, Bataan, Boracay, Legazpi, and Pampanga, with Palawan next on its expansion roadmap.
The big picture
The Forbes nod positions Xpress alongside Asia’s rising stars in fintech, green tech, logistics, and consumer platforms. For the Philippines, it is another validation that local startups can compete at a world-class level.
“Being named to this list is not the finish line,” Cabungcal said. “It’s a reminder that Filipino tech can — and must — stand tall worldwide. Xpress will keep building toward that vision.” —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
